1Thomas Cushing, Francis Dana, and Samuel Breck to Alexander Hamilton and Egbert Benson, 10 September 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Understanding on our arrival in this City last Fryday evening, that you had gone on for the Convention at Annapolis the week past, we take the Liberty to acquaint you and beg you to communicate to the Convention if it should be opened before we arrive there, that we shall set off from this Place to morrow to join them, as Commissioners from the State of Massachusetts, which we hope to do in...
2Horatio Gates to Alexander Hamilton, James Duane, and William Duer, 5 February 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I received The packet you Honoured me with by The Bearer Mr. J. Nourse, and immediately forwarded your Letter with The Books to the State Secretary T. Merriwether Esqr. at Richmond, with a Letter from myself, requesting him to Present it to The Committee, that is appointed to attend The General Meeting in Philadelphia. Previous to my receiving your Letter, I had The Honour to receive a packet...
3Election as Manager of the St. Andrew’s Society, 30 November 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 30, 1787. On this date at the annual assembly of the St. Andrew’s Society of New York State, Hamilton and five other men were elected managers of the Society for 1788. The [New York] Independent Journal: or, the General Advertiser , December 1, 1787.
4To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 12 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have made an arrangement to forward by express the result of the convention of New Hampshire to Springfield in this State, from which place Genl. Knox has engaged a conveyance to you at Poughkeepsie. Those who are best informed of the situation of the Question in New Hampshire are positive that the Decision will be such as we wish, and from the particular Facts which I have heard, I can...
5To Alexander Hamilton from James Hamilton, 31 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ St. Croix, May 31, 1785. On June 22, 1785, Hamilton wrote to James Hamilton : “I have received your letter of the 31st of May last.” Letter not found. ] James Hamilton was H’s older brother. See H to James Hamilton, June 22, 1785, note 1 .
6To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 17 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 12th. Instant I have just reced & am glad to find your Sentiments coinside with mine respecting the deposit of Bank Stock. I will immediately subscribe two thousand dollars for Mr Church. By the very next oppo. I will send a Sketch of the Acct between us. I am with respect Sir Your most Obdt Servt LC , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Letter not found.
7To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [30 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the final result of our conventional deliberations. The intended address of the minority proved to be of a nature apprehended by me. It was rejected by the party themselves when proposed to them, and produced an auspicious conclusion to the business. As I shall set out in a few days for N. York, I postpone further explanations. I have this instant the communications from N....
8To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 5 April 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
I am in your Debt and have to thank you for your Letters of the 24 Novr. 6 Decr. & 1st Feby. I left Directions at Sir Robt. Herries’s that in Case the Baron Polnitz did not Pay the Bill you had drawn on him to send the Holder of it to me and that I would take it up for your Honor, as I have heard nothing from them since I hope it is Paid. Your last brought me a Bill of Lading for £782.10.8...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 2 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last hasty letter, I engaged to write you soon after my arrival in this town. Various questions will be agitated in the legislature (of considerable magnitude) which respect the orginization of the government. There is a party of federalists, who are of opinion that the electors should ⟨be chosen⟩ by the people, and the rep⟨resentatives⟩ not in districts but at large. These ⟨will⟩ be...
10To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 18 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favoured with your two letters of the 30th September. The debate on Indian Affairs which I believe is got through, and that on the residence of Congress wch. is yet in agitation has entirely thrown aside for sometime the consideration of the peace establishment. When it is resumed I will take care that your application comes into view and shall be happy if any thing in my power may...
11To Alexander Hamilton from Neil Jamieson, 10 January 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 10, 1785. Itemizes amounts of money paid for a house in New York City during the British occupation. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Jamieson was the head of the dry goods house of Neil Jamieson and Company located at 933 Water Street, New York City. H wrote on the margin of this letter the names of the various British commanders in New York from 1778 to 1783.
12To Alexander Hamilton from John Wynkoop, 25 March 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Conduct having always evinced, not only a fervent and enlightened Zeal for the Rights and Liberties of the People but a Capacity of deciding justly on great constitutional Questions; I make no apology for addressing you on this Occasion. The 25th. Article of the Constitution of this State declares “that the Chancellor and Judges of the Supreme Court, shall not at the same Time hold any...
13To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 4 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, July 4, 1784. Asks for information concerning an act of the New York legislature “relative to debts due to persons who were Residents of Your State, and whose Estates have been forfeited.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Forman had been a New Jersey Loyalist who joined the British army. He was taken prisoner and later released in Pennsylvania. When this letter was...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, [5–28] February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 25 Jany came in good time. Our Votes were given agreeably to your wishes Washington 7—Adams 5. Governor Huntington 2. By letters from Carrington I learn that Clinton is the antifederal Vice President but I think we have nothing to fear. I believe N Hampshire will give Adams 4. Massachusetts 6—Georgia 6 as letters from Georgia say he will have at least so many—which with ours...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, 3 December 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] December 3, 1787 . Requests Hamilton to make arrangements for the purchase of a house and lot which Troup wishes to buy. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
16To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 13 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Richmond, June 13, 1788. On June 25, 1788, Hamilton wrote to Madison: “I am very sorry to find by your letter of the 13th that your prospects are so critical.” Letter not found. ]
17To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 10 April 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Wilcox has agreed to take the Vessels say two of them the one which saild lately from Cheasapeak and the one now here that daily expected from Lisbon he will not take. He promised me his notes this day for two hundred pounds the sum he is to pay for the two Vessels. I shall propably receive them to morrow. He says he has considerable property on hand belonging to that concern. I think it...
18To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
The Count de Moustier affording a very favourable conveyance for Captn. Cochrans Watch, I have requested the favor of him to take charge of it—and he will deliver it to you accordingly with Mrs. Washington’s & my best wishes for you & Mrs. Hamilton I am Dr Sir Your Obedt. & affe Servt AL[S] , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The Comte de Moustier, French Minister to the United States,...
19From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 20 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our debates have advanced as far as the Judiciary Department against which a great effort is making. The Appellate connazance of fact, and an extension of the power to causes between Citizens of different States, with some lesser objections are the topics cheifly dwelt on. The retrospection to cases antecedent to the Constitution, such as British debts, and an apprehended revival of the...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Francis Upton, 6 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
London, December 6, 1785. “… you will perceive that a considerable tract of land in the province of New York has been long since given in trust by My late Father for the use of myself Brother & Sister. As they are both Minors & Myself but just come of Age, it prevented our making a More early Application to take possession of these Lands; but I am now having the proper writings prepared … to...
21To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 21 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ December 21, 1785. On the back of a letter that Church wrote to Hamilton on April 5, 1786 , Hamilton wrote: “Letters from J B Church December 21 April 5. 1786.” Letter of December 21 not found. ]
22To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 11 January 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Your two favors the one advising me of the Beautrice and the other Covering letters from my Children in Europe I have had the pleasure to receive. Mrs. Schuyler has been much indisposed since my last. We began to be very apprehensive of her situation but our fears are vanished with the untoward Symptoms which occasioned them. She is now so well as to go abroad and we have well grounded hopes...
23To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [20 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of yesterday is this instant come to hand & I have but a few minutes to answer it. I am sorry that your situation obliges you to listen to propositions of the nature you describe. My opinion is that a reservation of a right to withdraw if amendments be not decided on under the form of the Constitution within a certain time, is a conditional ratification, that it does not make N. York a...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Seton, 1 August 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ England, August 1, 1784. On February 2, 1785, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I only trouble you with these few Lines to mention the Earnest Wish I have to hear of your Receipt of Mine of 1st. August.” Letter not found. ]
25To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Miller, 1 September 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 1, 1786. Will pay a bill drawn on Miller by Samuel Broome in Hamilton’s favor in about three weeks. AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Miller was a delegate to Congress from Rhode Island. See Samuel Broome to H, August 18, 1786 .
26To Alexander Hamilton from the Electors of Queens County, 19 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Jamaica [ New York ] February 19, 1789 . Several “electors and freeholders” of the County of Queens on this date informed “the Committee of Correspondence of New-York” that they had received a letter “from some members of your committee.” As recommended by the New York Committee, the “electors and freeholders from Flushing, North Hempstead, Jamaica, and Newtown” had nominated Robert Yates for...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Knox, 27 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
My old & good friend. Faith between you and me, it hath puzzled me very much to account for your long Silence. Three years have now Elapsed since my last from you, tho’ I have wrote you frequently in that time. Can any thing have happened on my part, which Should have So long deprived me of the pleasure of hearing from you? When you were Covered with the dust of the Camp, & had cannon balls...
28To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 16 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 8th. is just come to hand. I mentioned in my last that Oswald had been here in consultation with the Antifedl. leaders. The contents of your letter confirm the idea that a negotiation for delay is [on] foot between the opposition here & with you. We have conjectured for some days that the policy is to spin out the Session in order to receive overtures from your Convention; or if...
29To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 15 April 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last I have concluded the negotiation with Mr. John Wilcox and have reced from him his note payble in nine months for two hundred pounds being in full for ⅛ of the two Ships St. Anne & Two Brothers. Our Assembly has rejected the application of the Citizens to establish the Bank. The Stock holders therefore remain in that uncertain situation that you & Col Wadsworth apprehended prior...
30To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 25 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 22nd Instant I have just now reced and shall attend to your directions. I never charge Mr Church Commissions on receiving Cash because the charge of Commissions on his property in my hands is considerable large but if this transaction is not for him, I ought to have a small Comm[issio]n. I have reced the Package for Mrs Hamilton, & will forward it by the first Vessell to New York....
31To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 11 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 25th. of November by Major Farlie. Sincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would, adopt the alterations that were recommended by the General meeting in May 1784. I then thought, and have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the Cincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow Citizens,...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Brailsford, 25 September 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Charleston, South Carolina, September 25, 1787. “Mr Mullett lately transmited me Copy of your Letter to him of the 22d July, together with his answer, which I approve, tho’ he was mistaken in saying that the terms on which Wooldridge has been liberated, were all that I required; as there was another matter of great importance that I wished to accomplish previous to that event, & on which I...
33To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 25 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
December 25, 1785. “I recd your notes with Mr. Hoffmans Letter. I have no objections to waving any formalities with respect to the return of the writ of error. I should be extremly sorry if any part of my letter strikes you disagreeably. The passage you allude to was inserted as well to contradict an assertion that I had treated Mr. Hoffmans memory with severity, as to express my resentment at...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Murray, Sansom, and Company, [April 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Murray, Sansom & Co. present their Compliments to Mr. Hamilton and inform him that there is a Vessel that will sail on Sunday next for London, they would be obliged to him if he would have the Commission made out to go by that conveyance. At foot are the names they wish to have nominated as Commissioners. No 1 [Henry] Adams—Attorney at Law 3 Robert Barclay 4 Joseph Woods 5 Effingham...
35To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 November 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed is a letter which I had written, and was about to dispatch at the date of it; but upon second thoughts, determined to Postpone it, and try, if from the importance of the matter, I could not bring forward the Peace Establishment, previously. I have tryed it, in vain. Congress, after resolving on the of last Month to adjourn upon the 12th. of this, did, equally unexpectedly &...
36To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Broome, 13 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been informed Congress have appointed a Committee to examine into the situation of their Contract made with Mr James Jarvis for the Loan of a quantity of Coined Copper and that said Committee had reported that said Contract Was Void should an action be Commenced against Mr Jarvis for damages. I hope you will be pleased to Consider yourself as his attorney in the suit provided there...
37From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 9 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Heat of the weather &c. has laid me up with a bilious attack: I am not able therefore to say more than a few words. No material indications have taken place since my last. The chance at present seems to be in our favor. But it is possible things may take another turn. Oswald of Phila. came here on saturday; and has closet interviews with the leaders of the Opposition. Yours Affely. RC (...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Hardenbergh, 14 July 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Raritan [ New Jersey ] July 14, 1785 . Hopes that his father will be given a new trial. Asks for Hamilton’s assistance. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Hardenbergh was the son of Johannes Hardenbergh of Ulster County, New York. See “Cash Book,” March 1, 1782–1791, note 29 .
39From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 11 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 25th of November by Major Farlie. Sincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would; adopt the alterations that were recommended by the General meeting in May 1784. I then thought, and have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the Cincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow Citizens,...
40To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Coxe, 4 April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
London, April 4, 1787. “… Interested as I am in a large landed Property in the State of New Yorke; under former Grants of the Crown, and which not having been confiscated, is considered to be secure to me in virtue of the Treaty, I am anxious to be informed, from a Gentleman of your high Professional merit, whether or not, and how far, the Principle of Alienism , is adopted seriously by your...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Hazard, 21 April 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
I took the Freedom a few days since to address you in Behalf of a deserving Citizen and thank you for your friendly Interference. I am not to beg it again in Favor of that unfortunate Corps to which I belong. I claim it as your Friend Sir. You will doubtless startle at this Expression, from a Man you are but barely acquainted with. The friendliest Act an honest Man can wish to receive from...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Seton, 30 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ England, March 30, 1784. On June 18, 1784, Hamilton wrote to Seton : “I have been duely honored with your letter of the 30th. of March.” Letter not found. ] Hugh Seton of Leicester Fields, County of Middlesex, England, was the partner of John Ballantyne of Bologne, France, in the firm of Charles and Hugh Smith and Company. Seton asked H to collect a debt for him. See H to Seton, June 18, 1784 .
43To Alexander Hamilton from Mrs. J. Campbell, 8 May 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] May 8, 1786 . Requests “the honor of seeing” Hamilton “in the course of this day.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
44To Alexander Hamilton from Angelica Church, [2 October 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
You had every right my dear brother to believe that I was very inattentive not to have answered your letter; but I could not relinquish the hopes that you would be tempted to ask the reason of my Silence, which would be a certain means of obtaining the second letter when perhaps had I answered the first, I should have lost all the fine things contained in the Latter. Indeed my dear, Sir if my...
45To Alexander Hamilton from William Leary, 27 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 27, 1785. “Please … deliver all the papers … [respecting] my father to the bearer my Clark.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Leary owned a grocery store at 182 Water Street in New York City. At the bottom of this letter, H wrote: “Delivered Bond Mortgage & Certificate of discharge according to the above.”
46From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your Communication of the 3d. When I refer you to the State of the Councils which prevailed at the period you left this City—and add, that they are now, if possible, in a worse train than ever; you will find but little ground on which the hope of a good establishment, can be formed. In a word, I almost dispair of seeing a favourable issue to the proceedings of the Convention,...
47From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 18 October 1788 (Washington Papers)
A day or two ago the enclosed letters came to my hands. The watch of Genl Morgan you have for what it cost him—what he expects for it is also signified. It is a repeater with a chaced outer case with open work in parts—The Inner case is open, nearly in the whole—It is of an old fraction make, and appears to have seen better days—perhaps its chief merits lay in being a family piece, perhaps I...
48To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 22 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
The Judiciary Department has been on the anvil for several days; and I presume will still be a further subject of disquisition. The attacks on it have apparently made less impression than was feared. But they may be secretly felt by particular interests that would not make the acknowledgement, and wd. chuse to ground their vote agst. the Constitution on other motives. In the course of this...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Since I had the Honor to address you 23rd. Inst. on the Subject of——; I have had the pleasure of a Full Conversation with Mr. A. He is Zealous in the matter and assures me he will go forward in one of the New York Packets by the last of this Week. I have wrote Mr. H. on the Subject and Warmly urged the Necessity of his going on with his Colleague Mr. A. and have made him an offer of a Draught...
50To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 10 July 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your communication of the 3d. When I refer you to the State of the Councils which prevailed at the period you left this City—and add, that they are now, if possible, in a worse train than ever; you willfind that little ground on which the hope of a good establishment can be formed. In a word, I almost dispair of seeing a favourable issue to the proceedings of the Convention,...